Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, according to the emerging reports, is all set for a long-awaited return to Australia’s Test team in Sri Lanka in February next year.
Recently, Australia announced their squad for the white-ball tour of the UK, where they will be playing against England and Scotland. While Pat Cummins was missing from both the squads, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc found themselves out of the ODI squad led by Mitchell Marsh. This is to keep the players fresh for later assignments across formats, including the Test series against India and Sri Lanka.
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The Test career of Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell made his Test debut during the infamous IND vs AUS 2013 series when Australia toured India. He featured in the lower-middle order across the first 3 innings before playing as an opener. It turned out to be an unforgettable tour for him as he was dismissed thrice by Ravindra Jadeja.
After a decent outing against Pakistan in 2014, Glenn Maxwell wasn’t a part of the Test squad for three straight years. Maxwell registered his maiden century in his return Test against India in Ranchi and went on to play in the tour of Bangladesh as well.
Glenn Maxwell has played in 7 Tests, scoring a total of 339 runs with an average of 26.07. His highest test score is 104, which he achieved against India at Ranchi in 2017. He has also bowled in test matches, taking 8 wickets at an average of 42.62. His best bowling figures are 4 wickets for 127 runs, against India at Hyderabad in 2013. In the field, he has taken 5 catches.
Maxi has not played for Australia in whites since September 2017.
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Meanwhile, Maxwell will likely don a role in the lower-middle order and roll his arm over with his off-spin. Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnesmann are the leading contenders for the frontline spinner roles, with Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, and Mitchell Swepson also in the mix.
Speaking about the squad for the Sri Lanka tour, selection chair George Bailey said:
“Just the fact I was able to be on the Sri Lanka tour last year is a sign they still have me in their thoughts and see me as an option. Regardless of whether I played one or 30 games in red-ball cricket, I’m still going to be an option to go over there.”
He added: “I think that’s why 2025 in Sri Lanka is something I’ve put in my calendar as something I’m hopeful to be a part of, and not giving up hope that my Test cricket’s done. If I can get there and hopefully be good enough to take part in the series.”
Glenn Maxwell On The Importance Of Sri Lanka Tour 2025
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in November 2023, Glenn Maxwell stated the importance of the upcoming 2025 Sri Lanka tour. He had said:
“Just the fact I was able to be on the Sri Lanka tour last year is a sign they still have me in their thoughts and see me as an option. Regardless of whether I played one or 30 games in red-ball cricket, I’m still going to be an option to go over there,”
He added: “I think that’s why 2025 in Sri Lanka is something I’ve put in my calendar as something I’m hopeful to be a part of, and not giving up hope that my Test cricket’s done. If I can get there and hopefully be good enough to take part in the series.”
Glenn Maxwell is currently playing in the ongoing Major League (MLC) 2024 for Washington Freedom.
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